The perfect way to get started with 3D modeling, texturing and rendering. If you’re just getting started, and don’t need animation and the latest in power that the CX version provides just yet, Design 3D SE is the perfect way to get started. With Design 3D SE you can learn the basics with a very capable tool.

Reviews

“Strata Design 3D SE helps you start a project from scratch or import output files from popular applications like Collada, Photoshop or Illustrator. After creating or importing a project you can easily start adding new resources to it, a task that can be done by accessing the Resource toolbar. This toolbar includes a large number of backgrounds, shapes, textures and FX, which enable you to create a unique, beautiful 3D model.”4.5/5 – SOFTPEDIA

“There is a lot of hidden functionality in this free download. Utilize the tools and support strata is offering and you will begin to feel like you’ve been working with it for a long time. The rendering engine is very, very good.”5/5 – Tom Aroma

“If you’re a designer who spends a lot of time in Photoshop or Illustrator creating product illustrations, architectural renderings, or even logos, you’ll benefit from being able to navigate and work in a familiar style”4/5 – Macworld

Introducing the Design Asset Store!

You can now buy and sell 3D design assets you make with Design 3D SE. Visit the Design Asset Store to browse the shop, or click here to see how you can submit your own designs. With your help, we'll be adding new design assets to the store daily!

About This Software

Strata Design 3D SE: The Perfect Way to Get Started

3D MODELING, TEXTURING & RENDERING

If you’re just getting started, and don’t need animation and the latest in power that the CX version provides just yet, Design 3D SE is the perfect way to get started. With Design 3D SE you can learn the basics with a very capable tool.

MODEL WITH POWERFUL TOOLS

Every 3D image starts with a model, and SE gives you some key tools to get started – including polygon modeling, spline curves and Booleans. And you can bring in existing 3D assets – you’ll find a variety of import filters for third-party models and scenes.

APPLY SURFACE TEXTURES

Design 3D SE gives you some of the key texturing features you’ll need to produce quality work, including: Wrap any image around any 3D object; Give surfaces texture with bump and normal maps; Generate realistic metals with anisotropic maps; use polygon subset texturing and – more! And it’s easy to get started with the huge library of pre-made textures.

SET UP YOUR SCENE AND LIGHTING

Design 3D SE is like a photography studio where you have total control. Position your 3D objects and then place lights, reflection panels, cameras, backgrounds, environments and more to produce a quality final render.

Several 2D and 3D file formats connect you to the rest of the world. This includes Collada files tailor-made for Apple’s iBooks Author app, OBJ, DXF and more. You can even 3D print with the included file formats that are accepted by desktop 3D printers and popular online 3D printing services.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE 3D UNIVERSITY

Strata offers a complete online training site that provides tutorials covering all aspects of the Design 3D line of products. This includes first time users to 3D professionals. It’s a great way to learn and is guaranteed to get you up to speed. Visit the University

YOU’RE READY TO STEP UP

Design 3D SE is a subset of its big brother, Design 3D CX. Once you’ve mastered Design 3D SE you’ll be ready to step up to CX without missing a beat. With Design 3D CX you’ll get an expanded toolset – including powerful modeling tools, UV texturing tools, animation, special effects and more. Learn more about Design 3D CX for Mac and for Windows.

IN-DEPTH FEATURE LIST

Drawing Features Strata Design 3D SE makes it easy for 2D designers to get started in 3D. You can import 2D elements from applications like Adobe Illustrator or you can draw 2D objects directly in Strata Design 3D SE.

2D/3D Text

3D Primitives

2D Drawing Tools

Bezier Lines/Regions

Modeling Features Strata Design 3D SE offers an incredible array of modeling options. You can model using familiar Bezier splines, but now in 3D: traditional polys- but now with Quad Polysplines; Extrude and Lathe; Boolean to combine or subtract; Skin and more!

Polyspline SDS

Bezier Surfaces

Extrude

Lathe

Boolean

Skin

Polygonal Modeling

Path Extrude

Lighting Features You’ve heard of “looks good in any light” – now you’ve found the tool that gives you that elusive “any light”.

Point Lights

Spot Lights

Directional Lights

Glowing Surfaces

Gels

Special Effects Features Any image can be spiced up with special effects like Lens Flare, Auras, Particles – and Script FX. Add multiple effects, and place effects on any object.

Lens Flares

Auras

HotSpots

ScriptFX

Rendering Features The core of what makes Strata Design 3D SE so good – and what it’s famous for – is the high-quality rendering. Rendering is the process of taking the design you worked to put together and creating the final image.

Toon

Photons

Raytracing

Raydiosity

Pointcloud

Anti-Matter Effect

Atmospheric Effects

MIP Mapping

Soft Shadows

Reflection Blurring

Texturing Features “What if” is as simple as drag-and-drop in Strata Design 3D SE. Select from the palette of pre-made surface textures or make your own using Photoshop or other 2D image files.

Bump & Normal Mapping

Anisotropic Reflections

Blurred Reflections

Blurred Transparencies

Layer & Mix

Fog

15 Channels

Multi-Texture Blending Mix ModesFile Import/Export Features Being able to talk to other programs in your design studio is an important issue. Strata Design 3D SE offers a number of options in this area.